!9# Black & Decker DS321 Dragster 7 Amp 3-Inch by 21-Inch Belt Sander with Cloth Dust Bag
Go ahead and say it: It looks like a race car. That's what we said, too, and were ready to dismiss it as a gimmick. But then we tried it, and we stopped smirking. The smaller front roller changes everything you know about using a belt sander, making the belt's route more of a triangle than an oval. And because of that, you can get the grit to spaces you couldn't with a standard belt sander—for example, you can actually scoot right up to the baseboard when sanding a floor. There's more contact area with this design, and while that may be a moot point, we think it's still worth mentioning. We really like the three-position handle; it adjusts easily and lets you have the grip you need to be in control of an aggressive tool like this one. The dust collector works as well as any on a belt sander (meaning you're still going to have a mess to clean up). Belt changes are pretty straightforward and easy, thanks to the simple belt release lever. Because it's not a high-end tool, don't expect impeccable belt tracking here; still, the adjustment knob does a good job of tracking. This is one of those why-didn't-someone-think-of-this-sooner tools. Such a simple design change offers so much more utility in a well-priced staple of the workshop.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
- 3M 9264NA Heavy Duty Power Sanding Belts - Fine, 120g, 3-Inch x 21-Inch 2-pack
- 3M 9265NA Heavy Duty Power Sanding Belts - Medium 80g, 3-Inch x 21-Inch 2-pack
- 3M 81401 3-Inch x 21-Inch Purple Regalite Resin Bond 80 Grit Cloth Sanding Belt - 5 Pack
- 3M 9266NA Heavy Duty Power Sanding Belts - Coarse 50g, 3-Inch x 21-Inch 2-pack
- 3M 81399 3-Inch x 21-Inch Purple Regalite Resin Bond 50 Grit Cloth Sanding Belt - 5 Pack